Nov 27

Hardwood flooring adds to the resale value of the house, provided the floor retains its beauty and lustre. If well cared for, it can last for decades or even a lifetime. Every few years, the flooring has to be sanded and refinished to remove any surface damages and restore it as good as new.

This post focuses on the signs you should look for when determining when your hardwood flooring should be refinished to prevent any lasting damage.

1. Excessively scratched

When an excessive number of scratches shows up through the stain, it is an obvious sign that the floor needs to be refinished. Darker stains are likely to accentuate the scratches more. If they cannot be covered up with an area rug that indicates that the floor has worn out. To make sure that the floor looks as good as new you need to sand the scratched areas and re-stain the floor.

Pro tip 1:

Recognize the sources of water leakage that have led to the damage and resolve them. If it is a permanent source, resolve the issue or you will have to keep fixing the damage over and over again.

2. Staining due to water damage

Water spills are damaging to hardwood but if you clean it up as soon as possible, it will not leave a lasting mark or warp the floor. However, over the years, repeated water spills or pet urine can leave lasting and obvious stains on the floor. It is unsightly and has a permanent impact on the quality of the floorboards. When there is standing water on your floor for long hours, it can lead to severe damage like buckling and warping. Dark patches on the floor indicate comparatively less severe damage.

If the damage cannot be hidden by sanding or staining the area, consider replacing the floorboard.

3. Greying floorboards

The polyurethane coating wears off with age and then the boards will start absorbing water. The water can come from any source like rain, pet paws, even regular cleaning products. All these lead to oxidizing of the wood and it will turn grey. If you do not take any action and leave it as it is over time, the floorboards will turn darker and eventually black. Replacing the boards will be the only option left in this situation if you do not want to compromise the floor quality.

4. Darkening floorboards

If the floorboards have already turned black, there is little that you can do as a temporary fix. However, if you are not willing to spend on replacing the floorboards, choosing a hardwood stain that is dark enough to camouflage the damage can do the trick. This will limit your choice of floor stains. Moreover, the floorboards which are blackened are already severely damaged. Even refinishing it will not make these floorboards last in the long run.

5. Discolouring and dull planks

Hardwood flooring can get discoloured when it is exposed to harsh sunlight for too long. If your floor shows severe discolouration near the windows or other light sources such that there’s a drastic contrast with the rest of the floor, it is a sign that your floorboards need refinishing. Sanding and refinishing removes the top layer of the wood thus making the colour uniform. Once it is done, you can seal the floor with a new stain, imparting a brand-new look to it.

Pro tip 2:

Check for splinters in high traffic areas like hallways and doorways. Also, check the floor beneath the dining table which experiences high friction due to repeated chair movement.

6. Splintering floorboards

High foot traffic, mischievous kids, pets and age can lead to splintering edges. The splinters and worn-out edges of the floorboards can lead to accidents and eventually require replacing the floorboards which are expensive. It looks unattractive and also becomes the avenue from which water can be absorbed into the floor. Sanding the floorboards sufficiently can fix the splinters provided they are not too big and severe.

7. Failing water test

This is an easy way to tell whether your floor needs refinishing soon. Pour a tablespoon of water on the hardwood floor where it looks worn. If the droplets pool together and do not seep in immediately, the sealant is still intact. However, if the water seeps into the wood it should be refinished. The faster the water seeps in, the more severe is the damage.

Pro tip 3:

Do not put off the refinishing because you are trying to avoid spilling water. The moisture and humidity in the air can also cause equal damage on the floorboards.

8. Changing trends and styles

Sometimes your hardwood floor may be in good condition but the style is outdated. An easy way to upgrade your floor is refinishing it with a different stain. If you are looking for a face-lift for your home, you can refinish the floor with a different and trending stain. It will be more affordable and add to the resale value of the house while retaining the original wood flooring.

If your hardwood flooring shows any one or multiple of the above-mentioned indicators, it is high time to consider refinishing the floor. If you are looking for contractors and professionals in Canada who can help you out and give you the right advice suitable for your home, AA Floors can be the go-to destination for you. Our representatives are available during the business hours and you can easily seek their advice when you visit us.